The Big Give - your questions answered

During the Big Give Christmas Challenge, donations made to our Women = Change appeal will be matched by private donors who are supporting this area.

It means every £1 you give is worth £2 to us and more if you Gift Aid your donation.

How does it work?

From midday on 28th November until midday on 5th December, donations made online through the Big Give website to Lepra will be matched by private donors , up to a total of £15,000. It is managed by the Big Give which requires all Big Give donations to be used for specific projects.

Where is the money going?

The money raised for our Women = Change project will help support women in Bangladesh living with or at risk of leprosy.

In Bangladesh, cultural barriers can make it harder for women to access medical facilities. Often they will hide the symptoms of diseases like leprosy, so increasing the risk of disability and accompanying prejudice. Our project tackles the barriers faced by women in Bangladesh, providing female Community Champions who can provide this vital healthcare to these women.

What will the Women = Change project do?

We are training female Community Champions to recognise the early signs of leprosy so that they can refer women for early diagnosis and treatment. Many of the champions have been treated for leprosy themselves.

The Women = Change project will train 100 more champions for this crucial work, together with 1,575 government health workers. Training will also be given to those affected by leprosy to help them look after their symptoms and prevent further disabilities.

Just £13 will train one Community Champion - but if you donate during our Christmas Challenge this can be doubled allowing us to train two champions!

86 pence out of every £1 spent goes directly into supporting our work; the remaining 14p goes into raising the next £1.

Who is providing the extra funding?

We have secured a pledge from a donor, as well as a Big Give foundation. These donors have promised to match every pound given during Big Give week, up to a total of £15,000. Only donations for the Women = Change project made via the Big Give website will be matched.

Is there a minimum donation?

Yes, only donations over £5 can be matched.

Why do the donations have to be online?

Donations have to be online through the Big Give website to enable the Big Give to keep a live record of donations and ensure that they are matched.

Can I Gift Aid my donation?

Yes, if you are a UK taxpayer. The Gift Aid can only be claimed on your donation, not on the matched amount.

Is it secure?

Yes, payments will be processed by the Charities Trust working for the Big Give. More details can be found on the Big Give’s website. Once you have donated, you will receive confirmation via email.

How can I support the Women = Change Christmas appeal?

To support the appeal, click on this link which will take you through to our Lepra page on the Big Give website.

We would like to thank everyone who took part in our Life-Changing Tea. By hosting your very own Life-Changing Tea, you can help spread awareness that leprosy still exists and is curable. Your support allows those affected by leprosy to get the help they need.

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